First off, big thanks to all of you who made calls, sent emails, attended meetings and signed petitions over the past year. Because of your help and persistence we were able to affect in some small way the positive outcome of the Juniper Park Lawsuit. Now our off- leash hours are on the books!
But just because we've scored a victory doesn't mean we're off the hook. In fact, in some ways it's more important than ever for us to be model park users. Just think about it - As more condo towers dot our skyline and new residents discover the park, the more we'll need to take the lead in sharing it.
But that's all big picture stuff and while it's crucial to think about our future, there are some more immediate ways you can contribute. Signing up to volunteer for It's My Park Day is just one of them. See below for details on pitching in.
And speaking of pitching in, I'd like to offer a warm PUPS welcome to our two latest contributors - email designer Al Rotches and roaming reporter Claudio DeMairo. This issue wouldn't be the same without them!
Off Leash Rules! It's finally official! On May 10th the Parks Department's long-standing "courtesy hours" policy became a formal part of Park Rules and Regulations. The policy states that with proof of current dog license and rabies vaccination, owners can allow dogs to run off-leash in certain designated areas from the time the park opens until 9am, and from 9pm until the park closes. For more information on the policy and a list of dog runs and parks with off-leash areas visit www.nycgovparks.org and www.nycoffleash.com. PUPS Lends a Helping Paw
PUPS Board of Directors has, in the past, reimbursed individuals for a portion of veterinary expenses related to rescuing lost and/or abandoned dogs in the Ft Greene/Clinton Hill area. Because our funds are limited this policy has never been widely publicized. However, at the last Board of Directors meeting it was decided we would draft a formal policy and set aside money each year for this specific purpose. Once final, the policy will be available on the PUPS website and will be printed in the next newsletter. Fort Greene Park Named Park of the Month
Now the whole world is hip to what we've known all along! Read all about it on the Parks Department website, here.
One of the great things about PUPS members is how eager they are to help in our efforts, even when they're not exactly sure how to put good intentions to good use. So this year, we're making it really easy. For It's My Park Day 2007, PUPS has contributed funds that will be used to buy flowering plants for a special
PUPS-designated garden as well as paint to decorate garbage cans.
But money alone won't get the job done. We need YOU to come out on Saturday, May 19 between 10am and 1pm and pitch in. Given the high percentage of artsy types and the scores of talented gardeners in our membership, we should have no problem turning our beloved park into even more of a masterpiece.
To sweeten the deal, all volunteers will be eligible for a 1pm raffle. And PUPS member can pick up our brand new T-shirt commemorating the off-leash victory for a $15 donation!
So buddy up, sign up in advance by emailing us at info@fortgreenepups.org and be entered automatically for the raffle. The first 5 members to sign up on-line get a FREE T-shirt!
Spot the newly installed benches inside the fence? Notice the Monument illuminated, however briefly, at night? Could this be a sign of progress or simply a tease? Park Manager Jeff Sandgrund spills the beans on this as well as other hot topics for the coming months.
Reseeding Projects: So no big reseeding projects this season. We considered the effort we put into it last year, and the amount of time it actually lasted, and it was just not worth it.
The New Gardens: Freshly planted, these new areas are for everyone to enjoy, not just the dogs. So please keep pets out of the gardens areas and away from the flowers.
Trouble in Paradise?: I've been getting negative feedback about dog feces. Please be vigilant about cleaning up after your dog, especially in the summer when so many non-dog people are in the park.
Monument Renovation: Renovation is slated for winter '07 completion, just in time for the Monument's centennial celebration in '08.
For more information or to visit Jeff or other members of the Park Staff, stop by the Visitor's Center, from 9am - 5pm daily.
PUPS president Nancy Peterson has been on top of the elusive fountain project since day one. So, it only seems fitting to turn the mic over to her for what we sincerely hope will be the final update:
It's been a very long time since we first announced we'd received City Council funding through Tish James for a new human/dog water fountain to replace the existing concrete block and spigot. After waiting through 2006 with no progress we recently called Council Member James and voiced our concern. She in turn called
Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe who informed her that work on the project that includes our fountain would begin in July.
Need to spice up your dog walk routine a bit? Our correspondent Claudia DeMairo and her pup Milo did a little digging and discovered a few options for you and your trusted companion to enjoy the dog days of summer.
Spring is here in a big way! And that means the neighborhood is awash with people and their furry friends enjoying the fabulous weather. We all know dog owners enjoy Fort Greene Park, but where else can you stroll with your pooch and enjoy all the nabe has to offer? Try these dog-friendly establishments on for size:
Smooch, a 95% Organic café and wine bar, is a relative newcomer to Ft Greene, opening just over a year ago in March 2006. Smooch serves fresh sandwiches, salads and light snacks as well as organic free trade coffees and a well-selected array of wine and beer. The out door seating (where Fido must stay) is shady
and comfortable. They provide bowls of water and depending on who's
working, there may be a dog biscuit behind the counter. They have movie nights every Monday, live music on Wednesdays and DJs over the weekend. Check out their monthly rotating artwork also! 264 Carlton off Dekalb 718-624-4075
For a cocktail after evening off-leash hours, head on over to Rope at 415 Myrtle Ave between Clinton and Vanderbilt. This no frills watering hole summons the area's Naval history with their sailor's knot sign outside. The interior design is sparse, but don't let the rough façade fool you. Rope's bartenders are
a friendly bunch and offer up bowls of water for your pooch with one hand while they pass over your Guinness with the other. The indie rock jukebox lures plenty of Pratt students and it can get pretty busy on the weekends. Call or stop by for daily Happy Hour info -- 718-522-2899. The rear garden should be open soon, too!
Habana Outpost, which is re-opening Saturday, May 12th is Ft Greene's own family-friendly, solar-powered restaurant and market. Located at 757 Fulton on the corner of South Portland, Habana Outpost's courtyard is like a playground complete with swings to sway on and an open view of the Fulton's fashionable eye candy.
They serve a mélange of Pan American dishes, including grilled corn Mexican style, Cuban sandwiches and fried sweet plantains. And this summer, they'll
have a "doggie corner" where dogs too can have a nice cool drink. Sample the tasty dishes while browsing in the market, participating in their kid's activities, watching one of their movie screenings or taking in a cultural performance. 718-858-9500
Got a favorite summer spot you'd like to share? Let us know at newsletter@fortgreenepups.org.
9pm - 9am.
That's right - it's official! CLEAN UP AFTER
YOUR DOG!
Pick up poop and fur
and discard it properly. OFF LEASH DOES
NOT MEAN OUT OF
CONTROL.
Be responsible for
your pooch's behavior
at all times. KEEP PATHS AND
INTERSECTIONS
CLEAR.
Make the park safe
for everyone. TAKE A DEEP
BREATH.
Got a gripe? Let us know.
WeĠd love to hear what's
on your mind. info@fortgreenepups.org
Our PUPS Newsletter Editor:
Chris Franko
Designed by Jack
@ Al Designs